Kathmandu - The Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank Group’s International Development Association (IDA), and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly support the Government of Nepal in strengthening disaster risk management and developing climate-resilient infrastructure.

Nepal faces rising threats from climate-induced hazards such as floods, landslides, droughts, and glacier melt, causing severe human and economic losses. Climate impacts on nature-dependent sectors, including hydropower—a key driver of Nepal’s economic growth—have heightened the urgency for sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

“Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and disaster risk management has never been more critical. These investments will strengthen communities, safeguard assets, create jobs, and foster long-term growth,” said Arnaud Cauchois, ADB Country Director for Nepal. He added that ADB, IDA, and SDC will coordinate closely to help Nepal adapt to climate impacts and deliver lasting benefits nationwide.

The partner institutions plan to collaborate with the Government of Nepal in advancing resilient infrastructure, particularly within the Dudh Koshi River Basin in Koshi Province, focusing on hydropower and related sectors.

“As one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, building resilience is an imperative for Nepal,” said David Sislen, World Bank Division Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. “By joining forces, ADB, the World Bank, and SDC can leverage collective expertise and resources to strengthen Nepal’s ability to protect communities, investments, and jobs.”

The new partnership will focus on enhancing multi-hazard risk assessments, early warning systems, climate risk management, and financial services to support climate-resilient infrastructure. It will also promote joint research, capacity building, institutional strengthening, and collaboration with Nepali authorities and local stakeholders.

“Switzerland is strongly committed to fostering resilience and sustainable development in Nepal,” said Ambassador Arno Wicki, SDC Assistant Director General and Head of the Division for Asia–Americas. “Through this partnership, Swiss experts from academia and the private sector will work with Nepali counterparts to co-develop innovative solutions for disaster risk reduction and climate resilience.”

The three development partners reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing Nepal’s sustainable and resilient development, pledging to improve coordination, avoid duplication, and maximize collective impact through this collaborative effort.